“You can’t always be the most talented person in the room. But you can be the most competitive” – Pat Summitt

Basketball is a fast-paced game that requires the knowledge and instinct to perform quickly and properly. An advanced basketball player must possess basketball skills to have a successful basketball mental game.

At the professional level, you must work on physical, skills, tactical and mental to be a better competitor.

Physical – flexibility, balance, aerobic health, and strength are all required in order to garner the best results from your basketball skills; that is, you need to work on all four areas to be physically fit for basketball game.

How to achieve fitness in each area? Remember, it’s best to get fit to play basketball, not play basketball to get fit, so most of your workouts will occur off the court. Try to set a goal and work hard during each practice to achieve your goal.

Skills – There are so many different situations that coaches and players face. It’s those little things that make the best teams and players. If you can master the fundamentals, they will work no matter what.

For example, by working on the fundamentals of shooting, you will get better no matter what team you play for. The fundamentals of shooting include proper foot alignment, leg bend, hand position, arm angle, follow through, and so on. Those are some of the little things that make a difference. Learn them!

Tactical – Basketball is a fun sport to play, however, you have to play smart. When you are on the court you have to have the tactics it takes to play.

The first thing you need to do when you learn to develop your basic tactical skills is you first must learn how to make decisions. Always analyze as you play and look at what is going on around you. Go through the options that you are given at hand. Analyze your plays to see what might have went wrong or what you could have done better.

Mental – Mental basketball skills will prepare you for close games and enhance your basketball mental toughness — in essence, it will give you that important edge. It is crucial to the success of your game.

For instance, a technique in cognitive therapy termed cognitive rehearsal can be applied to great effect. Imagine a situation during a recent game in which you did not succeed. Consider what differences in your game would have helped you succeed.

When you master these four skills you are on your way to being a better competitor.

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